AIM To evaluate the presence of atrial septal shunt in military pilots by echocardiography combined with other imaging methods and to provide diagnostic and treatment evidence for military pilots with atrial septal shunt.
METHODS The medical records of military pilots with atrial septal shunt, including patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD) in our hospital from January 2013 to June 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. The imaging diagnostic methods, clinical treatment plan, imaging data and clinical diagnosis and treatment of those pilots were summarized and analyzed.
RESULTS There were 21 military pilots with atrial septal shunt, including 7 pilots with PFO alone, 11 pilots with secondary ASD, 1 pilot with original ASD and 2 pilots with PFO and ASD. Five pilots with PFO were followed up, one pilot with original ASD underwent atrial septal repair and mitral valvoplasty, and the rest were treated with interventional closure. All pilots were qualified for flying after ground observation and review.
CONCLUSION There is a certain proportion of atrial septal shunt in military pilots. Timely diagnosis of atrial septal shunt using imaging methods and interventional closure therapy are an effective treatment. However, further research is needed to determine whether pilots with PFO need to be intervened.
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